Osaka Castle

Osaka Castle was first built in the 1580s by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the warlord who unified Japan. The present main tower is a 20th-century reconstruction, but its massive stone walls and moats date from the 17th century, and the gold-trimmed keep is spectacular against a blue sky.

Inside, a museum tells the story of Hideyoshi and the battles of his age, and the top floor looks out across the city. The surrounding park is one of Osaka’s favourite places for cherry blossom in spring.

Allow about two hours. In the evening, head to Dotonbori for Osaka’s famous neon-lit canal and its lively streets. A boat ride on the castle moat gives another view of the walls, and the tower has a lift for those who prefer not to climb.